I love live theater, especially musicals. Plays are words in action. They bring the written page to life. Writers are told “show, don’t tell.” Theater productions are the epitome of showing. They are part and parcel of the show business. During my childhood, I was cast as the fair Ophelia in a school production of William Shakespeare’s drama Hamlet. I also played the part of Amaryllis, the bratty piano student with a crush on Winthrop, in a community performance of The Music Man. I was a bit player in a few other productions, but ultimately decided I preferred sitting in the audience rather than acting on the stage.
When my children were young, we enjoyed watching musicals at the Starlight Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater in Balboa Park. It was originally constructed by the Ford Motor Company for the 1935 California-Pacific Exposition. The theater is situated under the flight path for the San Diego Airport. When the planes flew overhead, the actors froze and music stopped until they passed, and then the action and sound resumed. The performers and dancers didn’t miss a beat. Unfortunately, the venue has been shuttered for over a decade. A non-profit was formed to restore the site. I hope they succeed.
Recently, my husband and I attended a performance of Wicked at the San Diego Civic Theatre. The Civic Theatre opened downtown in 1965 and is the region’s largest performing arts center. It’s home to cultural gems such as the San Diego Opera and Broadway San Diego, among others. Many years ago, we saw Wicked with the original cast on Broadway in New York. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were phenomenal. After watching the recently released movie, my husband presented me with tickets for the traveling stage production at the Civic Theatre. The touring troupe showcased talented actors and amazing vocalists. It was an enjoyable and entertaining evening.
The scenery, staging, lighting, and music provide a vivid backdrop for theatrical storytelling. And the pyrotechnics and special effects enliven the tale. The acting and choreography help the words dance off the page. Raise the curtain…the show must go on!
